Allyn B. Dalton

Allyn “Al” Bertram Dalton Sept. 30, 1942 - Jan. 17, 2013 Allyn “Al” Bertram Dalton was born on Sept. 30, 1942, in Albany, CA., and died on Jan. 17, at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, CA., from the affects of Mesothelioma. Al grew up in El Sobrante, CA., where he was a faithful alter boy at St. Callistus Church, a proud Explorer Scout, and an active member in the St. Callistus Youth Club. He became an avid stamp collector as a teenager and loved music. He graduated from De Anza High School in 1960 and worked at Lampson's Stamp Store until beginning his nearly life long career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He married Joy Jensen in 1963. Daughter, Susie arrived in 1964, followed by Kimberly in 1966, and Michael in 1968. He resided in Napa until the early 1970s then moved to Vallejo. He met current wife, Kathleen (Kathy) at Mare Island and the two married in 1985. They resided together in Vallejo until shortly after his retirement then moved to Benicia. He loved being near the water, so Benicia was the perfect location for their new home. Al loved his work life. He started his apprenticeship as a third generation Mare Island Naval Shipyard worker in 1961 to become a Marine Machinist out of shop 38. His hard work and dedication quickly earned him the position of Shop Planner which then led to a Supervisory Shop Planner position. He worked on several submarines and a few surface ships as well. He loved working at Mare Island and was very proud to be a part of it. He equally enjoyed his many working relationships and special friendships created along the way. Even in his last days, he spoke of his days at Mare Island, including pranks played on coworkers and the ones played on him. He retired in Code 300N as a Nuclear Refueling Supervisory Planner after 34 1/2 years, but would have stayed forever if he had been given that option. During retirement, he became interested in gardening due to the large yard at his and Kathy's new house. The two joined the North Bay Rose Society in 1997. He held multiple terms as President and as a board member. He also worked part-time at Van Winden's Nursery for a few years where he thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere and coworkers. He remained active in (Irish) stamp collecting until his death and was an active member of the Eire Philatelic Association and the “Code 300N Lunchtime Stamp Club”. He communicated with other local members in the North Bay Area and attended annual conventions and meetings. He dabbled in coin collecting as well. Al was one of a kind. He was a good neighbor who loved to help by watching houses during vacations, walking dogs and lending out tools. He was kind to animals by feeding many Benicia critters including birds, deer, turkeys, raccoons and the occasional feral cat. He was a man who could fix just about anything. He loved rock and roll, Janis Joplin, and just about any kind of music. He enjoyed playing his bongo drums and listening to old records. His charisma was unmatched and he seemed to make friends wherever he went. He was an intelligent individual who longed to share his wealth of knowledge and continued to research things he didn't know about. He was meticulous in everything he did, liked being in control, and loved teasing. This included telling his kids (with a chuckle) that his nurses “thought they were in charge” during his recent hospital stay. He touched everyone he met and will be missed by many, but mostly, he will forever be missed by his family. Upon his passing, Al was able to share one last thing. He was able to give the gift of sight with the donation of his corneas. We are extremely proud that he was able to bless another human being in such an important way. He would be very pleased. Al is survived by his wife, Kathy Dalton of Benicia; mother, Loraine Dalton of El Sobrante; children, Susan Dalton of Napa, Kimberly Funk (Dave) of Vacaville, and Michael Dalton (Kim) of Napa; grandchildren, Destiny and Tyler Funk of Vacaville, and Hailea and Breanne Dalton of Napa; cousin, Sandy Miller of Stockton whom he loved like a sister; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and his former wife and friend, Joy O'Gara of Napa. He was predeceased by his father, Bertram “Bert” Dalton and baby sister, Diana Dalton. No service will be held according to Al's wishes. A small celebration of life may be held in the future. His ashes will be spread over two of his favorite places; the waters surrounding Mare Island and the coastline of Mendocino. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Napa Valley Support Services (where special daughter Susie attends), 650 Imperial Way, Suite 202, Napa, CA 94559, napavalleysupportservices.org or to Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation (where they provided him with such loving care), P.O. Box 2069, 1100 Trancas St., Napa, CA 94558, http://www.queenfoundation.org. We will never be able show enough thanks for the doctors and nurses at “The Queen”. Please visit the online tribute at www.TwinChapelsMortuary.com. Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707)552-6696.

Allyn B. Dalton

September 30, 1942 - January 17, 2013